Talk 28: Do the Dead Need Our Help or Do We Need Theirs?
Without a doubt, even among Orthodox Christians there is considerable ignorance today regarding the soul after death. Interest in communicating with departed loved ones is increasing, to the point that many make use of the services of psychic mediums, such as America’s famous John Edward. Their readings (séances) seem to result in a standard message from the departed, stating that they are very happy. There is no mention in these messages about hell, suffering, and demons, which is contrary to Orthodox teachings about the existence of both heaven and hell. What most astounds people and attracts them to these mediums is their ability to reveal secrets and personal information about the departed and those present in the audience.
In this talk, Fr. Kosmas uses the teachings of the Orthodox Church to explain the truth about the soul after death. In addition, he examines whether there is any truth in the belief that the departed can communicate with the living, either directly or through mediums.
The following questions are also discussed: how do the prayers before and after the soul’s departure help it? Should we say that we deserve to go to hell? Is it a myth that demons and angels fight each other for a newly-departed soul? Can Orthodox elders or eldresses know the condition of a departed soul? What is meant by: “It is better for some to die than to continue living in this world”?
Other topics covered in this talk include: the difference between an elder and a psychic; the importance of performing good deeds on behalf of those who have departed this life; examples of souls that have appeared to the living; how a monk prayed for the suffering soul of his mother who had lived as a prostitute; and how commemoration of the dead at the Divine Liturgy is the highest form of help.
Talk Duration: 200 minutes
Chanting Duration: 16 minutes
3 CD set